Sanctuary - What it’s all about.

The Sanctuary project is the result of the Rector and the Select Vestry seeking to provide more space for our Church activities, and reach out into our community?

Our existing Church Halls are in almost constant use and space, even for storage, is at a premium. As part of our commitment to Christ’s work we need in practical ways to touch the hearts and lives of many in our community who do not know him.

After carefully looking at a number of options over several years, we believe the new extension will provide a focus for our outreach as well as valuable accommodation and some more additional storage space.

This extension will be known as Sanctuary . As the name suggests we hope that it will provide a place where people can feel safe and that it will become a refuge from the pressures of everyday life for both our own church family and members of the wider community.

Sanctuary equipped to a high standard and as well as having a number of Internet ready it would also have Audio Visual links for video, game consoles etc for the younger age groups. We believe this relaxed lounge area will help to over come the barriers that often exists in drawing people into a “church”. We believe Sanctuary will achieve this.

With it’s soft furnishings and relaxed atmosphere Sanctuary will provide an ideal place to provide for the needs of retired people. In a world which judges people so often on age and health, we want to provide a comfortable welcoming space for our older folks, a place that says we love and value you.

Sanctuary - A safe place for Young Families

Situated close to the schools we would hope to offer a morning and afternoon “coffee stop” especially aimed at mums.  Many women sit in cars adjacent to the school from 2pm – 3pm as school leaving times are staggered. A drop-in facility/homework area would also be a real asset.

“In Reach”

Firstly as a basis for our current church based youth work. Sanctuary would provide a den/drop-in facility for our uniformed organisations as well as a kids club.

Sanctuary - Future Development

We believe that we are putting in place the infrastructure for future community contact. The building of the Sanctuary is one small step in this process. Let’s start small but think big! With an already busy Church complex we believe that an area “covenanted” for outreach is so important.

We want to provide a modern first class facility for the many folks who currently walk past the door. Sanctuary will provide a place for members of the parish to volunteer for real practical service.

Generally, we hope to develop a community partnership and our prayer is that other YOU through financial g support and through service will be a part of this. We in Donaghadee trying to fulfil our aim to “Love God, Love People and Make Disciples”.

Sanctuary - Faith & Finance.

In order to meet the costs of the Project a number of fund raising events have been organised. You can help by giving these your full support. There are, of course, more direct ways in which you can help;

Would you consider making a donation directly to the building fund?

Would you consider taking a pack of special Sanctuary gift envelopes?

The special envelopes will come in packs of ten and for example if;

 50 people gave £50 per month x 10 envelopes it would = £25,000

 25 people gave £20 per month x 10 envelopes it would =  £5,000

 25 people gave £10 per month x 10 envelopes it would =  £2,000

 25 people gave  £5 per month x 10 envelopes it would =  £1,250

These figures are only examples and gifts of any amount will more than gratefully received.

Would you consider helping the Parish by making an Interest Free Loan available? This would enable the Church to pay the costs incurred in this building project without paying additional Bank Charges.

 How can I do this?

 You simply decide the amount you want to lend.

 How long will it be for?

 It is suggested that it would be for a period of 3 years or another term agreed between you and the Parish to pay the costs incurred in this building project without paying additional Bank Charges.

Will I get a receipt or some form of acknowledgement for my loan?

 When the Hon.Treasurer receives your Loan Cheque, you will receive a Donaghadee Parish Church Fabric Fund Cheque within 7 days.  This cheque will be undated and made payable to yourself.   You must notify the Hon Treasurer in advance if you intend to cash this cheque in before the end of the agreed term.

Would you consider purchasing some equipment or furniture, perhaps in memory of a loved one. Please speak to the Rector directly regarding this option.  Gifts of this kind will be acknowledged in the entrance hall to Sanctuary  on the “Wall of Memories”.

“One generation will commend your works

to another;

They will tell of your mighty acts.”

(Psalm 145,verse 4)

The Sanctuary Project provides a wonderful opportunity for previous generations to be remembered through the donations of their loved ones and to pass on in a tangible way the Good News of God in our lives. Each donation will be acknowledged in the form of a commemorative ceramic wall tile placed around a central tiled mosaic image of the Parish Church. This will provide a contemporary artistic mural to enhance the entrance area.

“Wall of Memories” (Impression Only)